I finally bought my race wheels, 404’s clinchers. There is a guy at a local bike shop that told me I can get a tire that’s like a tubular one for my clincher wheel. Can someone explain that to me and tell me if it’s good? I am sure someone on here has had multiples thread on this and I apologize if I come accross as a newbie with this type of question:)
I’ve been using TUFO Jet Special tubular clinchers for about a year—they’re great! Get em’ @ tri-zone.com. I haven’t had to worry about a flat for over a year.
Marisol,
Don’t bother with the Tufo. You gain nothing good. You add weight and cost to a simple, proven concept.
You’ve bought a nice set of clincher wheels. Race on nice set of clincher tires. The Tufo tub/clincher concept is great for cyclocross but I cannot for the life of me think why any road rider would deal with the shortcomings. They are heavy compared to very good clinchers. No benefit to rolling resistence.
They are not flat proof, nothing is. If you want to use the tufo sealent, you can with any clincher tube that allows the removal of the valve core.
This from a guy who only races tubulars.
TRy Glory Cycles, wise cycle buys, bicyletires.com, very good prices.
a lot of mtb and cyclocross tubular clincher iare good if you want low pressure in your tires while reducing the risk of a pinch flat. This doesn’t apply to road tires. The tubular road rim is usually significantly lighter than a corresponding clincher rim which is ONE of SEVERAL reasons people race on tubular rims. I would just get some nice lightweight clincher tires and tubes. Some of the lightweight tires wear very fast but that probably won’t matter if you’re racing on these
Gimme a break—you guys and all that added weight BS. It’s a freakin’ tire at a few miniscule ounces??? The added weight of a tire is the last thing I worry about, but that’s just me. All I know is TUFO’s have been good to me, but whatever…I’m sure any of those other “experts” out there have the answers.
I gotta question about tire weight- what’s the weight difference between a tire inflated to 100psi vs one inflated to 150psi?
Marisol,
Here is some more info for you to read in relation to your question about tubular-clincher tires:
http://www.tufonorthamerica.com/whattype.php
If I remember correctly from previous discussions, people here either use the S33 Special (21mm wide):
http://www.tufonorthamerica.com/tires/special.php?seriesid=7
or they use the Jet Special (19mm wide=narrower profile):
http://www.tufonorthamerica.com/tires/special.php?seriesid=22
Both can be inflated to high psi, and they are very tough. If you used them for long-distance races, you might also consider using the sealant inside the tire. These tires are not the easiest to mount, but you get the hang of it, or have your LBS mount them. Make sure you mount them per the instructions and use the teflon tape with the valve extensions.
Disclaimer: I have personally used the Jet Special for 3 years with no problems and get very good mileage. I have had horrible luck with tubes in the past, and TUFO has worked great for me, and I also ride 404s.
Keith
The TUFO tire is certainly heavier than a standard clincher but it doesn’t require rim tape or a tube. When you compare the total setup, the weight is a toss up.
The TUFO (liquid latex) sealant will not work with a tube. The sealant works by hardening when it is exposed to air. In a tube setup, the sealant will leak out of the tube and into the tire and make a mess. To save weight, only use about half of the recommended amount of sealant.
Also, the 404 clincher is incredibly hard to change a flat on.
Marisol,
Don’t bother with the Tufo. You gain nothing good. You add weight and cost to a simple, proven concept.
You’ve bought a nice set of clincher wheels. Race on nice set of clincher tires. The Tufo tub/clincher concept is great for cyclocross but I cannot for the life of me think why any road rider would deal with the shortcomings. They are heavy compared to very good clinchers. No benefit to rolling resistence.
They are not flat proof, nothing is. If you want to use the tufo sealent, you can with any clincher tube that allows the removal of the valve core.
This from a guy who only races tubulars.
Hey, great choice in wheels. I have them and have been riding them full time for two years without a single problem, not even a truing. Stay away from those tubular clinchers. They give you the worst of both worlds. They are heavy, expensive, and you can’t repair a flat. I’d much rather throw out a $5 tube than a $70 tire. You just bought clincher wheels, get good clincher tires. I use Verdstein tricomps. They’re excellent. Great ride, where like iron, and easy to change. One flat in two years for both my wife’s and my bicycles. I always pump them to 120psi.